Analysis of soil-forming factors and soil classification using soil taxonomy system: A case study of Baraka District, Enrekang Regency

Abstract The difference in the soil-forming factors can affect the nature of the soil formed. The method was used in this research is quantitative descriptive based on primary and secondary data. The field survey was conducted using the random stratified method at 15 soil profile divided into four north-south transects. The determination of soil characteristics value were adjusted by the Soil Survey Laboratory Manual method, while the determination of dominant soil minerals used the Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). Determination of soil type used the soil taxonomy system, which refers to the 12th edition of the soil taxonomy key book. The results of the study showed that there are two soil orders in the Baraka district, Enrekang Regency that is Alfisols and Inceptisols. Alfisols was found in the six soil profile that classified as Typic Paleustalfs (subgroup) mixed family of Isohypethemic Typic Paleustalfs, Kaolinitic with Isohypethemic Typic Paleustalfs, while Inceptisol was found in the nine soil profile that classified as Lithic Haplustepts, Dystic Haplustepts, Typic Dystrudepts and on the family category that is clay mixture Isohypethemic Typic Dystrustepts, clay mixture Isohypethemic Dystric Haplustepts, clay mixture Isohypethemic Lithic Haplustepts, Carbonatic compound Isohypethemic Dystric Haplustepts. The results of this research also indicate that the dominant soil-forming factors in the Baraka District, Enrekang Regency are the parent material, vegetation, and slopes.